We here at Stela pride ourselves on our fantasy mbooks like Lumi White, Inheritance, or Afrina and the Glass Coffin. These titles join a grand tradition of fantasy novels, here are 10 of the most well-respected. Check them out once you’ve finished everything at Stela.
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien
The novel that gave birth to modern fantasy. Along with its predecessor, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, defined the main themes of modern fantasy. The struggle of good vs. evil, a physical force of evil, quests, and overcoming self doubts, to name just a few.
It is the story of a hobbit (diminutive human-like beings who prefer the quiet life and simple pleasures), Frodo Baggins, as he and his companions set out to destroy the One Ring. A weapon that could throw the whole of Middle Earth into darkness, despair, and enslavement to the dark lord Sauron.
Belgariad
David Eddings
A series of five novels (along with the sequel series Mallorean) spanning the creation of the universe to the life of Garion, a simple farm boy destined for greatness. Garion’s life is turned upside down when he finds out he is being led by the forces of fate, fate that will lead him to a final confrontation with a god.
Blood of Elves
Andrzej Sapkowski
Before there was the massively successful video game there was the fiction series. In this first novel Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher (a mutated monster slayer for hire), is tasked with protecting the child, Ciri. A child with great potential, a child many people are seeking to claim for themselves. Or kill her.
The Colour of Magic
Terry Pratchett
The beloved humor series, Discworld, all began with The Colour of Magic. Rincewind the wizard, he’s not very good and he’s a tad cynical, is hired to protect the tourist Two Flowers, a wealthy insurance clerk. Their journey of hilarious misadventures takes them far and wide, even to the edge of the world.
Elric of Melniboné
Michael Moorcock
The drug addicted, weak and frail, albino anti-hero. Elric is the emperor of the corrupt and decaying island kingdom of Melniboné. Unlike his subjects he has a conscience which makes him an object of suspicion. Despite his best intentions Elric and all those around him are doomed. His evil sword, Stormbringer, consumes the souls of those closest to him. A dark and disturbing series.
A Game of Thrones
George R. R. Martin
The novel that started the A Song of Ice and Fire series, not to mention the television phenomena. A deeply complex series and plot it centers around the War of the Five Kings for the Iron Throne which is the seat of power over the Seven Kingdoms. Intrigue, betrayal, incest, the story never fails to engage and fascinate.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s (Philosopher’s) Stone
J. K. Rowling
The novel that started an international sensation. Harry Potter is a young boy living with his abusive aunt and uncle when he discovers that he’s really a wizard. Not just any wizard, but the only one who survived an attack by Lord Voldemort. The chosen one, he must face Voldemort and end his evil plans.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Susanna Clarke
In an alternate world during the Napoleonic wars magic is real and each country employs magicians. The magic is mediocre until Jonathan Strange comes along. His raw talent and power shake the magicians and their world. Mr. Norrell keeps Jonathan down as best he can but for how long?
The Last Unicorn
Peter S. Beagle
A unicorn believes she may be the last of her kind. She sets out to discover the truth along with Schmendrick the magician and Molly Grue, a bandit’s wife. It’s a beautiful tale of love and regret.
Mistborn: The Final Empire
Brandon Sanderson
The Final Empire introduced the world of Mistborn. A thousand years ago a great evil threatened the land but a hero stopped it, but what came after was almost as bad. The hero became Lord Ruler and ruled with an iron fist. Now new heroes arise to stop him.
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If you enjoy fantasy be sure to check out Stela’s library of mbooks and graphic novels.